Oskar's first competition since surgery

[Halfstep]

Took monster horse out to do an Elementary today, his first test since he had hock surgery in March. I was nervous as last time he was out he cleared the warmup and nearly jumped out of the ring in one of his tests.

I can only say that today made up for all the pain and heartache this horse has put me through. He was simply wonderful. Warmed up like a dream - no tension or spookiness. He was soft and through. It was the first time he's competed in the double as well, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

He was super. The test had some green errors - he did a flying change in BOTH counter canters

(never done that before), and fidgeted in one of his halts (so what, Anky doesn't halt

), but was rideable and easy.

I actually started crying after the final salute, soppy mare! Honestly, this horse had been written off a few months ago. For him to come out and do this was incredible. I'm so proud of him. Its been really tough. But today was brilliant.

One pic - medium trot, not bad for a cripple LOL

. I'll put some more in the gallery:

 

[pendam]

well done i know how emotional it is to get a horse back out there when been written off. Looks fab in pic

 

[Gamebird]

Amazing! You're definitely allowed the odd tear for that

I might have missed this first time round but what has he had done to his hocks?

 

[carthorse]

Great report and the hairs stood up on the back of my neck, maybe his behavioural problems were related to the hock problem. Good luck from now on

 

[BBs]

Been a long time coming
Totally deserved

he has been quietly ticking along and building up so much strength.
SOPPY MARE! but I totally understand.

Well done. I did find this morning funny, he was clean at 7:30 by 7:40 he had rolled and was covered in poo lol little tinker

 

[Halfstep]

Thanks everyone! Yes I think the hock was bothering him before. He was never lame even on flexion, but was SO naughty and untrainable. Now although he never will be completely submissive (not in his nature), he's a lot easier and is learning quickly.

Basically he had a bone chip in his upper hock joint which had to be surgically removed.

. Before that he fractured a front splint bone which also had to be surgically removed. Two surgeries in less than a year.

.

 

[lilpinkdonkey4]

I saw you! We were at radway too doing a prelim and a novice, Turned into such a lovely day!

Oskar is very smart, i was admiring him when i had finished my test but missed your actual test, well done though, and definately a tear is allowed after all that!

So what are your plans for him next?

 

[Halfstep]

Ohhh, thanks Bonita! Hope you had a good day. It was hot in the warm up wasn't it!

Next for Oz is some harder elementaries in the hope of winter regional qualification, if he stays sound (bitter experience prevents me from making too many plans).

xx

 

[lilpinkdonkey4]

Yep She was very good... it was our 1st stressage in a while after having jumped and done a small ODE where she wasnt her normal angelic self, so it was nice to have my sane pony back. She almost breathed a sigh of relief when we didnt change the stressage saddle for her jump saddle. Anything more than dressage seems to blow her mind!

Indeed it was very hot, just relieved the fog burned off! but cant complain- its not like there has been any sun this summer

best of luck with your plans that arnt plans- your 'ideas'! and fingers crossesd this is the end of it all for you!

 

[Halfstep]

Well done Bonita. If you see me out again, come and say hello!

xxx

.

 

[Bossanova]

What a fab photo!

So pleased he's back and running

 

[Halfstep]

thanks Boss. There are more in the gallery, if you want to see him strutting his stuff (dressed in half a sheep LOL - fluffy over reach boots

).

How are your lot? Has Boss gone back to Hartpury now? And how is your new job going?

xxx

 

[Stoxx]

That was such a lovely post to read Halfstep, I'm so pleased for you

He looks fab

 

[Worried1]

A huge well done!